Wheel arch replacement?

[kit]

Probably a silly question but here goes, I have rust around the filler cap proper push your finger through but the rest of the arch is pretty solid and rust free, I bought a repair panel and wondered if I cut out the rust could I just fit the whole panel over the top of the existing or should I just cut the repair panel and use the bits I need? Thanks.

[multisi]

You could do a easier repair with fiberglass and aluminum mesh. Doing a proper job would involve welding and thats a fuel tank out job .

[fazzer]

If you have the replacement panel then replace the rusty one completely,if you just want to fudge it then as said above mesh and fibreglass it but you will probably have to redo it all next year.

[Slider2]

Best solution as said is probably to take the whole panel off and replace with the new one. But it is a big job going all round the OEM flanges from B pillar to step via the seatbelt mount. If the wing is otherwise good with just a couple of localised area of decay I'd prefer to cut and shut it with spliced sections to avoid opening up otherwise sound seams. That is what I've just done on my fronts and it has come out pretty well.

[Oldiebut goodie]

Replaced mine with a cut off a repair panel. Didn't want to ruin decent thick metal for no reason. No need to take the fuel tank out though just be sensible about protection for it - if it were petrol yes remove it.

[kit]

Thanks, as you say the original is much more solid than the replacement so I think cut and shut is the way forward, oh and it is diesel so need to remove the tank I hope.

[chris7ian]

Replaced mine with a cut off a repair panel. Didn't want to ruin decent thick metal for no reason. No need to take the fuel tank out though just be sensible about protection for it - if it were petrol yes remove it.

'Sensible about protection' would be removing the tank as it's not the petrol that's the problem but the fumes!

[Oldiebut goodie]

Pardon? What do you mean? The petrol fumes? If so read the thread!

[scaltura]

Many ways to sort your issue.

Depends how handy you are.

Full arch or just the half arch, patch it or glass it.

If you go full or half arch, remember you are disturbing vw sealer that's been there from the year dot. Once you clear all the sealer and remove the arch you may find your b post is crusty, meaning more work

[chris7ian]

Pardon? What do you mean? The petrol fumes? If so read the thread!

I missed the OPs reference to Diesel after your post, and in your signature... no drama

[Oldiebut goodie]

The clue is in his signature - 1Y engine. That is why it is asked that you put it in your signature, it saves confusion.